Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and there's more battery in the S26 FE, 4900mAh to 4383mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. Storage goes higher on the Apple iPhone 15 Plus, up to 512GB against 256GB, and the iPhone 15 Plus 5G has the sharper display at 460 PPI to 385. The iPhone 15 Plus 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the S26 FE is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Over a full contract, the S26 FE works out around £648 all-in, about £102 less than the iPhone 15 Plus 5G.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Samsung Galaxy S26 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 385 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Exynos 2500 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 4,383 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 17 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e-SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 201 grams | 193 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£14.99/mo
£259.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £364.99 | £697.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is cheaper on contract at £648.36 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £259.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 385, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £364.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE uses the Exynos 2500 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 8g lighter at 193 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S26 FE?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S26 FE run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE runs Android 17. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.